Seems like the donut fad goes in phases. There was the Winchell's phase back in the 80's. Then Krispy Kreme mania hit back in the 90's. And Dunkin' Donuts made a push at the turn of the century. But one donut shop that's beat them all is the legendary Leucadia Donut Shoppe in, you guessed it, Leucadia. Legendary you ask? Just ask any dad and his kids in north county and it's a ritual on the weekends (it's a chance for the mom's to sleep in and the dads to look like a hero). But it's not just dads and kids that plunk down some spare change for the maple bars, glazed donuts, and unbelievable apple fritters (I'm a little biased on their apple fritters- and trust me- I know apple fritters). Leucadia Donut Shoppe is also an after surf favorite for the Stonesteps/Beacons/Grandview/Ponto crew as well as bosses picking up a baker's dozen for the morning meeting. If you've spent anytime in north county San Diego over the past few decades, then you've at least driven by the iconic business on the corner of Highway 101 and Avocado St. (which is an oxymoron because there are no Avocado flavored donuts and definitely not a vegetable in sight).
Tom and Emily bought the business from a friend 25 years ago and their driving force is the interaction with the community. What other job can you talk story with friends, families, and tourists while all the while you're stoking people out with coffee and bear claws (I wonder if they're hiring). The only problem I'd have is the 2am start every morning so the apple fritters can be ready for the 5am opening. Make sure to get there early as Tom closes down at 1pm and the best selling chocolate glazed donuts are gone by then. Tom grew up in north county and has two college aged kids, which during the holidays, work in the shop. Maybe one day they'll take over the business. But for the time being, Tom and Emily don't show signs of slowing down and will outlast the next wave of Winchell's.
